Manual vs. Electric Toothbrushes

Both manual and electric toothbrushes are effective at cleaning your teeth effectively. Our North York dentists discuss the benefits of electric toothbrushes and how they may benefit you, depending on your specific needs.

A regular manual toothbrush is a great tool for cleaning your teeth, provided that you are thorough, and use the proper brushing technique.

• Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.
• Gently move the brush in a circular motion across the teeth.
• Remember to brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.

If you brush properly, as described above, and you and your dentist are both happy with the state of your oral health, you're doing well! There is no need for additional tools (except for floss, which should be used once a day!).

However, if you are having difficulty brushing all of your teeth adequately with a manual toothbrush, or if you or your dentist believe your oral hygiene routine could be improved, an electric toothbrush may be beneficial.

How can an electric toothbrush help?

Electric toothbrushes that have small, round, rotating heads mimic the ideal brushing motion. Avoid electric toothbrushes that make a sawing motion if you can.

Electric toothbrushes can make brushing more convenient because they require little effort! Simply load your electric toothbrush with toothpaste, place it against your teeth, and turn it on. Then all you have to do is gently guide it around your mouth, covering all of your tooth's surface.

You are not required to perform the brushing motion, which makes it much easier to clean the backs of your front teeth (which can be awkward with a manual toothbrush), and the small round head also makes cleaning your back molars and other tight or difficult-to-reach areas a little easier.

Additionally, due to the rapid rotation of the head, electric toothbrushes are excellent at removing surface stains from your teeth. Certain electric toothbrushes even include timers that alert you when your two minutes are up!

Overall, an electric toothbrush can help you brush more thoroughly, and may even make brushing feel like less of a chore.

Concerns about brushing too hard?

Some people hesitate to try an electric toothbrush because they are concerned it would not be gentle on the enamel of their teeth, or their gums.

However, many electric toothbrush users report that they brush more gently as a result of not having to perform the scrubbing motion themselves. Scrubbing naturally induces the desire to apply pressure, which is eliminated with an electric toothbrush, which performs the motion for you.

If you are very concerned about brushing too hard, many electric toothbrush brands sell heads with soft bristles for sensitive teeth and gums.

If you are wondering if an electric toothbrush may be a good choice for you, please contact our office today to book an appointment with one of our North York dentists.